| 摘要 |
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for welding sutures. The apparatus comprises a jaw assembly and a heater element. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw for receiving a first suture segment, and a second jaw for receiving a second suture segment such that the first and the second suture segments overlap. The heater element is positionable and retractable along an axis between the jaws, and is adapted to be positioned between and melt at least opposing surfaces of the overlapping first and second suture segments so that the suture segments can be pressed together and bonded. The method of welding suture segments includes positioning suture segments adjacent to and on opposite sides of a heater element, energizing the heater element such that portions of the suture segments in contact with the heater element melt, withdrawing the heater element, and clamping the suture segments together until the melted portions cool.
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